In this Class 7 Chapter 4 New Beginnings Cities and States, students will explore the remarkable transformation of early Indian society during the 1st millennium BCE — a period often referred to as India’s Second Urbanisation. They will learn how janapadas evolved into larger mahājanapadas, how urban life revived after the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation, and how early political systems, including republics and monarchies, took shape.
The chapter also introduces innovations like iron tools, punch-marked coins, urban planning, and the varṇa–jāti social structure. Through maps, archaeological insights, and literature, students gain a deeper understanding of how ancient Indian states and cities laid the foundation for future empires.
New Beginnings Cities and States Worksheet
Want to revise key concepts, test your knowledge, and practice important questions from this chapter? Download our free Class 7 Social Science worksheet packed with chapter summaries, question-answers, MCQs, fill in the blanks, and more. Perfect for revision, homework, and exam preparation!
What students will learn:
- Understand the concept of Second Urbanisation and how it differed from the First Urbanisation during the Harappan period.
- Identify the rise of janapadas and mahājanapadas, and locate them on the map of ancient India.
- Recognize the significance of the 16 mahājanapadas, especially the powerful ones like Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti.
- Learn about early forms of governance, including monarchies and democratic republics (gaṇas and sanghas).
- Explain how iron tools and weapons contributed to agriculture, warfare, and urban growth.
- Understand the emergence and use of punch-marked coins and their role in trade and economy.
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New Beginnings Cities and States Notes
Second Urbanisation of India
- The Indus Valley Civilization marked the First Urbanisation.
- After its decline, India saw a return to rural life for about a millennium.
- Around the 1st millennium BCE, a Second Urbanisation began, especially in the Ganga plains and parts of north and central India.
- This was supported by archaeology and ancient literature (Vedic, Buddhist, Jain).
Emergence of Janapadas and Mahājanapadas
- Janapadas: Territories of tribes or clans led by a rājā.
- Mahājanapadas: Larger and more powerful states by the 8th–6th century BCE.
- There were 16 major mahājanapadas, like Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti.
Governance and Democracy
- Assemblies (sabhā and samiti) were common, showing early democratic traditions.
- Some states were monarchies; others like Vajji and Malla were governed through assemblies and voting.
- These were known as gaṇas or sanghas (early republics).
Innovations and Urban Growth
- Iron tools and weapons improved agriculture and warfare.
- Trade expanded, supported by punch-marked silver coins.
- Urban planning included fortifications, roads, moats, and square layouts.
Society and Class Structure
- Society was organized into:
- Varṇas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras (based on duties).
- Jātis: Occupational communities (e.g., potters, weavers).
- Over time, this system became rigid and hierarchical.
Communication and Trade
- Two major routes:
- Uttarapatha (northwest to east India).
- Dakshiṇapatha (north to south India).
- South Indian kingdoms like Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas emerged by 400 BCE.
New Beginnings Cities and States Question Answer
Q1. What is meant by the ‘Second Urbanisation of India’?
Ans: It refers to the re-emergence of cities around the 1st millennium BCE, especially in the Ganga plains, after the decline of the Harappan civilisation.
Q2. What were janapadas and mahājanapadas?
Ans: Janapadas were small tribal territories, while mahājanapadas were larger states that evolved from them during the 8th–6th century BCE.
Q3. How were rulers selected in gaṇas or sanghas?
Ans: Rulers were selected by the assembly through discussion or voting, not hereditary succession.
Q4. What were punch-marked coins?
Ans: The first Indian coins made of silver with symbols punched into them; used for trade.
Q5. What was the varṇa-jāti system?
Ans: A social classification system where varṇas were based on duties and jātis on occupations. It structured society and later led to inequalities.
Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 MCQs
Q1. Which of the following was a mahājanapada?
a) Delhi
b) Magadha
c) Indus
d) Tamil
Q2. Punch-marked coins were primarily made of:
a) Gold
b) Copper
c) Silver
d) Iron
Q3. Which of these had a democratic form of governance?
a) Kosala
b) Magadha
c) Vajji
d) Avanti
Q4. The Second Urbanisation began in:
a) 3000 BCE
b) 1500 CE
c) 1st millennium BCE
d) 500 CE
Q5. The varṇa responsible for warfare was:
a) Brahmins
b) Kshatriyas
c) Vaishyas
d) Shudras